Media’s role in elections very important: CEC

Staff Correspondent: Dhaka, Mar-13,

Chief Information Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal today said that the role of the media is very important in holding any credible elections.

“If transparency is established through the media, our chances of staying above the controversy will increase,” he told at a view-exchange meeting with journalists at the Nirbachon Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon area.

At the meeting, the journalists working in the election commission beat under the banner of Reporters’ Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) highlighted different points including demand for free movement of journalists during the elections.

Noting that the EC is not against the mass media, the CEC said, “Our stance is never against the media. But if we have to take any regulatory action for the sake of democracy in some cases, we will see the matter”.

RFED’s proposals would be considered after holding discussion in the EC, Awal said.

Speaking about the strict measures on the parliamentary election day, he said, “You should collect information. Transparency will be established if there is an open access to information”.

About authority of the presiding officers, the CEC said, “It won’t be right step to curtail the authority of the Presiding Officer. They work on election day taking all responsibilities. But if they commit any misdeed, there is a provision in the existing laws”.

About obstacles created by police in collecting information regarding polls, he said, “If the police make any hindrance, we have to take it seriously. If police do not allow you to enter after you have been authorized by the Election Commission, then you should take photo of that incident and inform us. We will look into the matter so that they don’t create any hindrance”.

Four other Election Commissioners (ECs) and EC secretary were present at the meeting.

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